19 Clary Sage Essential Oil Health Benefits & Side Effects

Essential oils have become a common household name with their many health boosting properties. Widely used in aromatherapy, clary sage essential oil benefits us in several important ways as well. Derived from the leaves and flowers of the clary sage plant, this essential oil helps improve your overall health and immunity. Stress, cramps, pains, and digestive issues, clary sage oil can help relieve the pain and discomfort in many such health concerns. To know more about the benefits of this essential oil and how you can best use it, continue reading!

Know Your Ingredient: Clary Sage Essential Oil

What Is It?
A type of essential oil derived from the leaves and flowers of the clary sage plant (Salvia sclarea).

What Are Its Benefits?
Reduces pain, regulates the secretion of digestive juices, influences neurotransmitters and dopamine activity, and improves overall mood.

Who Can Use It?
Especially those who suffer from acne-prone skin and rashes, gut-related issues, uterus-related issues, and depression and stress.

How Often?
3-4 drops of diluted oil can be used daily in the bathwater or for a massage.

Caution
Those who have sensitive skin may experience skin irritation. It is advisable to use it in a diluted form.

What Is Clary Sage Essential Oil – A Brief

Scientific Name – Salvia sclarea

Native – Europe

Other Names – Muscatel sage

Chief Components – Sclareol, Geraniol, Alpha Terpineol, Linalyl Acetate, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Neryl Acetate, and Germacrene-D

Clary sage essential oil has been used to fight eye troubles since ages (but be wary, though – as essential oils must not be administered directly in the eyes; please consult your doctor on this). This oil is extracted from the steam distillation of flowers and leaves of clary sage plant. But, the benefits of clary sage essential oil is not just limited to eyes. It has a plethora of uses that aren’t that well known. Here’s a peek into its other benefits.

Blending: Try blending clary sage essential oil with Lemon, Orange, Lime, Lavender, Pine, Geranium, Juniper, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Frankincense oils.

Clary Sage Essential Oil Uses

Skin Benefits

1. Prevents Acne And Pimples
2. Gives You Beautiful Skin

Health Benefits

3. Ideal For Vapor Therapy
4. Works As An Aphrodisiac
5. Induces Euphoric Feelings
6. Great For The Stomach
7. Works As A Sedative
8. Great For The Nerves
9. Fights Depression
10. Is An Antimicrobial Agent
11. Works As An Antiseptic
12. Amazing For Oral Care
13. Eliminates Stomach Gas
14. Regulates Menstrual Cycle
15. Lowers Hypertension
16. Maintains Uterus Health
17. Massage And Bathing Purposes
18. Used In Deodorants
19. Other Benefits

Skin Benefits

Clary sage essential oil not only helps prevent acne and pimples but also makes your skin radiant.

1. Prevents Acne And Pimples

This must come as a big surprise, but clary sage essential oil is a vital part of commercial creams and lotions.

Why Does It Work

Clary sage oil can help in reducing all kinds of skin problems and ailments. The oil is great for balancing sebum production and helps naturally maintain optimum skin oil levels. This property of the oil helps in preventing acne and pimples.

2. Gives You Beautiful Skin

Want skin that is gorgeous and radiant? Add clary sage essential oil to your skin care routine!

Why Does It Work

It reduces inflammation and skin rashes because of the presence of linalyl acetate. It also balances the production of natural oils in the skin. Apply this oil to your face using a piece of cotton. You could also combine it with almond oil for better results. The best part is that it is suitable for both oily skin and dry skin types.

Health Benefits

From boosting your vision to enhancing heart health, clary sage offers a multitude of health benefits.

3.  Ideal For Vapor Therapy

Clary sage oil is one of the core ingredients used in vapor therapy. It has often been used to reduce tension, stress, nervousness, depression, stress, and anxiety. If you have insomnia, this oil is perfect for you. People with depression can use clary sage oil to refresh their minds, reduce tension, and live a happy life.

Why Does It Work

The therapeutic value of clary sage makes it amazing for aromatherapy. It has a soothing aroma that influences dopamine activity to generate feelings of happiness.

4. Works As An Aphrodisiac

With increasing stress levels, people experience a dwindling sex drive. If that is the case with you, you can use clary sage oil for stress relief. It works great for men too.

Why Does It Work

One of the best and most attractive benefits of clary sage oil is that it acts as an aphrodisiac. It can boost libido and sexual desires (1).

5. Induces Euphoric Feelings

This might sound funny, but it is true. Clary sage oil induces a sense of happiness.

Why Does It Work

This effect is mainly due to clary sage’s soothing smell that makes us relaxed and happy, thanks to its influence on neurotransmittersⁱ  XThe chemical messengers that help the body function by carrying signals from one neuron to another neuron, muscle cell, or gland. in the brain (2).

6. Great For The Stomach

Did you know that clary sage oil is great for the stomach too? It can heal ulcers and wounds found in the stomach and protect the integrity of the colon. If you are suffering from constipation, this oil is what you need.

Why Does It Work

Clary sage essential oil regulates secretion of digestive juices, which, in turn, helps control stomach disorders. It also helps in the absorption of essential nutrients and regulates bowel movements. Clary sage may also protect the mucous lining of the colon, preventing severe damage, including colorectal cancerⁱ  XBowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer that may be caused due to diet, tobacco smoking, and heavy alcohol use. . More research is required in this aspect, though.

7. Works As A Sedative

Are you hyperactive? Do you get excited a little too easily? You probably need a sedative. Clary sage oil can reduce all symptoms of anxiety disorders and inflammation in the body.

Why Does It Work

Clary sage essential oil is perfect as a sedative as it helps in calming the nerves. This oil also reduces convulsions of any form, including epilepsyⁱ  XA neurological disorder that leads to abnormal brain activity causing loss of awareness and periods of unusual behavior. . It brings about peace of mind to the users (3).

Elizabeth, a blogger, shared her personal experience with clary sage essential oil and how she had benefited from it: “But it wasn’t until I was running low on clary sage and stopped using it for a bit that I realized it was so helpful for a good night’s sleep…because I started getting insomnia again (i).”

8. Great For The Nerves

Clary sage oil is great for your nerves too. It can prevent nervous breakdown and provide relief from other nerve-related disorders. You can also reduce symptoms of vertigo and hysteria with the help of this oil.

Why Does It Work

As mentioned earlier, clary sage oil is a blessing in disguise for those suffering from nervous breakdown because of its calming nature (4).

9. Fights Depression

We often fall prey to negative thoughts because of the increasing levels of stress. This constant worry eventually leads to a state of depression. Aromatherapy using clary sage oil can help you beat the blues.

Why Does It Work

Studies have found that clary sage oil can help in boosting confidence and self-esteem. It is an excellent antidepressant that also neutralizes anxiety attacks (5).

10. Is An Antimicrobial Agent

Clary sage oil is also an antimicrobial that eliminates severe bacterial and fungal infections. It can also protect you from contracting new infections.

Why Does It Work

This oil can easily curb the spread of bacteria, especially in areas such as intestines, colon, urinary tract, and the excretory system. Clary sage oil also stops the harmful bacteria from entering our system (6).

11. Works As An Antiseptic

Clary sage essential oil can also be used in case of large wounds to prevent infection by Staphylococci bacteria. You can apply it topically for instant effects.

Why Does It Work

The antiseptic property of clary sage oil makes it a useful ingredient in surgical recovery (7).

12. Amazing For Oral Care

Worried about your weakening gums? Why don’t you try using clary sage oil for keeping them healthy?

Why Does It Work

Clary sage oil is perfect for oral care because of its strong astringent properties. It is perfect for strengthening your gums, but consult your doctor to know about the proportion of usage (8).

13. Eliminates Stomach Gas

Are you a big fan of spicy food, but feel nauseated because of all that excessive gas present in your tummy? Don’t worry, you can get rid of that uncomfortable feeling by using clary sage essential oil.

Why Does It Work

Clary sage oil is a carminative that helps bring down the gas in a matter of seconds, thereby reducing the feeling of being all bloated (9).

14. Regulates Menstrual Cycle

One thing we women dread are the days we have our periods. It’s not only tiring but also painful. Most women resort to over-the-counter pills available in the market or pay a hefty price to a doctor to get rid of the excruciating pain. But, ladies, mind you, this oil can save not only your day but also money. Read on to know more.

Why Does It Work

Clary sage oil has emmenagogue properties. It helps regulate menses and prevents menstrual cramps, particularly when combined with other oils like lavender and marjoram (10).

15. Lowers Hypertension

This miraculous oil is also helpful in lowering blood pressure by relaxing nerves and blood vessels. Using clary sage oil can actually lower the risk of heart-related diseases like strokes, attacks, and atherosclerosisⁱ  XThe hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the build-up of fats and cholesterol in their walls, leading to heart attack or stroke. .

Why Does It Work

The hypotensive property of clary sage oil widens the blood vessels, allowing proper circulation throughout the body. This, in turn, helps in increasing transportation of required oxygen to all muscles, tissues, organs, and organ systems (11).

16. Maintains Uterus Health

Clary sage oil treats uterine troubles that are usually caused by menopause.

Why Does It Work

It has healing properties that cure many problems, including bleeding, tumors, and pain. It also regulates the secretion of hormones like estrogen, thus enhancing uterine health (12).

17. Massage And Bathing Purposes

Body massages reduce muscle cramps and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and the tiredness that we tend to feel often because of work pressure (13).

18. Used In Deodorants

Clary sage oil is also used in making deodorants. The best thing is it doesn’t have any side effects. It will not impact the environment either and is durable too (14).

19. Other Benefits

Clary sage oil can help fight unhealthy addictions. It is also anti-inflammatory, thereby eliminating backaches and pain in the joints.

Trivia

The essential oil was employed in the manufacture of wine and beer. It was introduced to Rhine wines in the 16th century to create Muscatel, a stronger variety of wine.

Now that you know its benefits, we will look at making the essential oil at home in a few simple steps.

How To Make Clary Sage Essential Oil At Home

• Wash a handful of fresh clary sage leaves and flowers. Pat them dry.
• Crush them with a pestle and mortar to release their essence.
• Place the crushed leaves and flowers in a jar. Pour some oil (jojoba or almond oils or any other carrier oil of your choice) in the jar.
• Keep the jar sealed tight and store it in a cool, dark place for about two weeks. Shake it gently regularly.
• Strain out the plant matter using a cheesecloth to get the essential oil.
• Transfer the oil to a clean, dark glass bottle for storage.

This method produces an infused oil that is less concentrated than its commercially-produced version, but is pure in essence. However, you need to handle this oil with care. Learn more below.

A Word Of Caution

Just like other essential oils, clary sage oil needs to be used with caution.

• Consult your doctor before using as it can increase the sedating effects that come with alcohol and sedative drugs.
• Irregular and untimely use can cause severe headaches.
• Consult your physician before using if pregnant or nursing.
• Check for allergies before use. Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on wounds.
• Make sure you dilute this oil before use to avoid sensitivity and irritation.
• Look for clinical- or pharmaceutical-grade clary sage oil, as an adulterated product can cause significant harm.

How To Use Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil can be used in a variety of ways, including direct application and inhalation. The US Food and Drug Administration has declared it safe for ingestion.

Here are ways in which you can make use of this miraculous oil.

• Indirect Application – This method is generally used to ease eye troubles. For this, just soak a clean muslin cloth in a mix of lukewarm water and 2-3 drops of clary sage essential oil. Remove the cloth and press over the infected area for a few minutes.
• Direct Inhalation – For nerve-related disorders, aromatherapy is the best option. You can even put a few drops on your pillow for a good night’s sleep.
• As A Massage Oil – For relieving muscle cramps and pains, clary sage oil can be used as a massage oil. Just add a few drops in a carrier oil (coconut or almond) and rub the area gently for quick relief.
• Adding It To The Bath – For further relaxation of stiff muscles, you can always add a few drops to bath salts and then to your bath water.
• Topical Application – For making use of its antiseptic antifungal, and antibacterial properties, clary sage oil can be applied topically to the wound.

Trivia

Today, the essential oil is frequently utilized in perfumes as well as to flavor vermouths and other liqueurs.

Clary Sage Oil Side Effects

Here’s a peek into the side effects of clary sage oil.

1. It can cause irritation if you have super sensitive skin. So, do a patch test before using it. Apply a drop of clary sage oil to your skin and observe for a day. Watch out for any adverse reactions within this period. If you don’t see any, go ahead and use it.
2. Never, I repeat, never apply clary sage essential oil directly into your eyes. It can even lead to blindness.

Try clary sage oil and make full use of its benefits. Do share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Infographic: 8 Ways Sage Essential Oil Improves Your Health

Sage has been revered for centuries for its potent medicinal and aromatic properties, making it a sought-after ingredient in various cultures. The infographic below highlights 8 extraordinary benefits of this oil, its applications, and the profound impact it can have on your overall well-being. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix ylang ylang and clary sage?

Yes, clary sage can be mixed with ylang-ylang. This blend can be used as a massage oil and a hair tonic. The mixture also helps in lifting one’s mood.

How long does clary sage take to work?

Clary sage starts its action after 15 – 30 minutes post inhalation.

Can I diffuse clary sage while pregnant?

Yes, clary sage is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy. However, it is advised to have a word with your doctor before starting it.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Scott JohnsonAMP, CCMA, CEEOS, CPC

 

Dr. Scott A. Johnson is a Board Certified Alternative Medical Practitioner, Certified Elite Essential Oil Specialist, and Certified Clinical Master Aromatherapist with 7 years of experience. As one of the most prolific natural medicine writers of the 21st century, Dr. Scott A. Johnson has empowered tens of thousands of individuals to realize greater wellness naturally through more than a dozen...more

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